Bring It Home, Plug It In: Mitsubishi i MiEV

As an automotive journalist, I’ve been listening to auto industry execs say that the next big technological breakthrough is going to revolutionize the industry. After years of hype, speculation and more than enough concept cars, an honest-to-goodness electric vehicle is in my garage. And it works. In fact, it works really well for both my professional and personal life. As a professional photographer and an urban dweller with a small family of three, meeting my standards isn’t easy. 

Here’s what I liked about the i MiEV:

• It’s nimble and easy to maneuver in and out of traffic, and it’s quick off the line at traffic lights.  
• When looking for parking, the car is short enough to fit in any spot. It’s not much wider than a Mazda MX-5 Miata, so it clears almost any alleyway in Chicago.  
• The i MiEV has a decent amount of cargo room and the backseat folds down so it can carry my cameras and studio gear.  
• The suspension is soft enough to support my spine over most of the cracks and potholes on Chicago’s streets.  
• It’s spacious and comfortable enough to seat four adults for a night out on the town (or two adults, a dog and a child-safety seat for a day at the in-laws). 

Does this mean I’d get rid of my gasoline-powered car for the i MiEV? Not a chance. I wouldn’t be comfortable driving this small EV on the highway or for long distances. However, the Mitsubishi i MiEV would be a good choice for getting around town, saving money and being (gulp) green.